Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Patients with Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws

Current practice of oral care for hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients: A survey of the Eastern Mediterranean Blood and Marrow transplantation group

INTRODUCTION

The oral cavity is one of the most common sites impacted by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with acute complications including mucositis, bleeding, salivary gland dysfunction, infection, and taste alteration. These complications may result in significant morbidity and can negatively impact outcomes such as length of stay and overall costs. As such, oral care during HSCT for prevention and management of oral toxicities is a standard component of transplant protocols at all centers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the current oral care practices for patients during HSCT at different transplant centers within the Eastern Mediterranean region.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An internet-based survey was directed to 30 transplant centers in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The survey included five sections asking questions related to (1) transplant center demographics; (2) current oral care protocol used at the center and type of collaboration (if any) with a dental service; (3) use of standardized oral assessment tools and grading systems for mucositis; (4) consultations for management of oral complications; and (5) oral health needs at each center. Data are presented as averages and percentages.

RESULTS

A total of 16 responses from 11 countries were collected and analyzed, indicating a response rate of 53%. Eight centers reported that a dentist was part of the HSCT team, with four reporting oral medicine specialists specifically being part of the team. Almost all centers (15/16; 93%) had an affiliated dental service to facilitate pre-HSCT dental clearance with an established dental clearance protocol at 14 centers (87%). Dental extraction was associated with the highest concern for bleeding and the need for platelet transfusion. With respect to infection risk, antibiotic prophylaxis was considered in the setting of low neutrophil counts with restorative dentistry and extraction. All centers provide daily reinforcement of oral hygiene regimen. The most frequently used mouth oral rinses included sodium bicarbonate (68%) and chlorhexidine gluconate (62%), in addition to ice chips for dry mouth (62%). The most frequently used mucositis assessment tools were the World Health Organization scale (7/16; 43%) and visual analogue scale for pain (6/16; 37%). Mucositis pain was managed with lidocaine solution (68.8%), magic mouth wash (68.8%) and/or systemic pain medications (75%).

CONCLUSIONS

Scope and implementation of oral care protocols prior to and during HSCT varied between transplant centers. The lack of a universal protocol may contribute to gaps in oral healthcare needs and management for this group of patients. Further dissemination of and education around available oral care guidelines is warranted.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Considering oral care during HSCT a standard component of transplant protocols, the current study highlights the common oral care practices for patients at centers within the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Radiographic patterns of multiple myeloma in the jawbones of patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonates

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether intravenous (IV) bisphosphonate (BP) therapy can change the radiographic patterns of multiple myeloma (MM) in the jawbones.

METHODS

The authors evaluated panoramic radiographs obtained from 188 patients with MM for the presence of solitary osteolytic lesions, multiple osteolytic lesions, diffuse osteoporosis, diffuse sclerosis, lamina dura abnormalities, nonhealing alveolar sockets, and bone sequestration. The authors compared results obtained from patients treated with IV BPs with those obtained from patients who had never been exposed to BPs.

RESULTS

Multiple osteolytic lesions (P = .001), diffuse osteoporosis (P = .001), and diffuse sclerosis (P = .0036) occurred more often in the mandible in both groups. Solitary osteolytic lesions occurred less frequently in the BP group (P = .0078). Lamina dura abnormalities (P = .0006) and nonhealing alveolar sockets (P = .0021) were associated with BP treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

IV BP therapy changes the radiographic patterns of MM in the jawbones.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The effect of BPs in the maxillofacial area is a matter of concern for health practitioners because this type of medication causes several alterations of the jawbones in patients with cancer.